You will all now be fully aware of the big breaking news in the world of Rugby League on Monday – as Bradford Bulls head coach Francis Cummins has left the club.
Well into his second season in charge – having been at the club since 2010 when he was appointed as assistant to Mick Potter – Cummins and assistant Lee St Hilaire have left the relegation-threatened Bulls.
With time drastically running out for the former Super League champions to beat the drop, attention will now turn to who could possibly take over at the club. Captain Matt Diskin is in temporary charge as player-coach – with the guidance of Managing Director Steve Ferres.
However, what kind of candidates are there out there for the Bulls? TotalRL.com runs the rule over five potential candidates that could follow in the steps of Francis Cummins and become Bradford Bulls boss.
James Lowes
Who: A former Bradford Bulls player, and a huge club legend. The hooker won every domestic honour available during his time at the Bradford Bulls, playing for the club from 1996 until leaving in 2003. He’s a member of Bradford’s ‘Team of the Century’, too.
Where: Currently ‘over the border’ in Rugby Union, Lowes is the head coach of Leeds Carnegie. However, with the side failing to get back into the Premiership for next season, could he be tempted back?
Why: Lowes would be a very popular appointment amongst fans, having been one of the greatest players ever to don the famous shirt. After some time spent away from Rugby League, perhaps he may feel like the time is right for him to return.
Willie Poching
Who: Current Warrington Wolves assistant head coach – but will be leaving the Wolves at the end of the season following a coaching restructure.
Where: As mentioned, working under the stewardship of Tony Smith at Warrington – similar to how Cummins progressed as a coach. However, after it was confirmed he would leave the Wolves, he may feel a step up to head coach is now the move for him.
Why: Similar to the appointment of Cummins two seasons ago, the Bulls may decide to head down the right of giving a promising assistant coach a go. With very little pressure on him until the end of the season, it could be a perfect fit for both parties.
Glenn Morrison
Who: Morrison signed up at the Bradford Bulls back in 2007, and spent three seasons with the club before finishing his career with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
Where: Morrison is currently coaching in the Kingstone Press Championship, having been in charge of Dewsbury Rams since 2012. He has overseen a healthy transformation at the Rams, who look set for another appearance in the play-offs come the season’s end.
Why: Another former Bull who would certainly rank as a popular appointment amongst fans. Interestingly, Morrison has also served his apprenticeship in England’s lower leagues, and is doing a sterling job at Dewsbury. Could Bradford be the next step in his coaching career?
Jason Demetriou
Who: Demetriou arrived in England back in 2000, when he signed up at Lancashire Lynx. He then spent 12 years – the entirety of his career from then on – in England, playing for the likes of Wakefield across an impressive career.
Where: Currently back coaching in his native Australia, Demetriou is in charge of Australian side Northern Pride – after a successful spell in charge of Keighley.
Why: Demetriou could well fancy a return to England with the Bulls – and accepting the challenge of getting Bradford back into Super League should they get relegated.
Brian Noble
Who: The former Bradford Bulls coach who oversaw perhaps the most successful period in the club’s history, when they were a major force in world Rugby League.
Where: Interestingly, Noble is currently out of work, having left Salford Red Devils earlier this season. He was replaced by another former Bradford man, Iestyn Harris.
Why: Simply because it seems to be a perfect fit. Noble is available to work immediately – unlike the other men on this list – and the Bulls need some serious inspiration. Could a return of one of their greats be the thing that sparks a remarkable revival?
